Month: March 2016

BEETS // boost your energy level

Beets contain a significant amount of carbohydrates that provides fuel for energy and prolonged sports activities.

These are the natural building blocks of energy metabolism and beets provide them without any of the negative side effects of many other carbohydrate-heavy foods.

When the body has a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, it is easy to fuel all of the necessary bodily functions as well, including the important metabolic reactions that keep your organ systems functioning efficiently.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of working with my fabulous sis and that was the time I was introduced to our dear friend, beets. She loved beets so much then and still does to this day. She would always try to get me to eat them and I just couldn’t get into. They tasted very “earthy’ to me.

Sadly, it wasn’t until a month or so ago, I learned to appreciate beets. I found an awesome bottled juice by Vim + Vigor and decided to research the most striking ingredient; beets.

What struck me is not only are beets a HEALTHY carbohydrate, but it would properly fuel the necessary body systems. I am currently training for the MS150 and with my newly formed nutritional lifestyle, I really must fuel properly, never cutting my body short of any ingredient it may need to perform well. The last thing I want to do is bodily harm; the current goal is the heal it. Being counterproductive thru poorly fueled exercise would not only really bum me out but it would harm me.

A fun fact for me when it comes to the MS150:

Cyclists who drank a single large serving (16oz) of beetroot juice were able to ride up to 20% longer, and let’s be honest, I am going to need as much of an advantage as possible!

The reason for this boost in energy is because beets are high in natural nitrates which are converted to nitric oxide in the body…nitric oxide increases the efficiency of the mitochondria AKA your energy powerhouse.

Next time you’re thinking about enduring a lengthy workout, down some beetroot juice, add it to your yogurt, smoothie, etc…it’s really good!

46 DAYS

MINT // relieves indigestion

Mint (Pudina) is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that can work wonders for your stomach.

The menthol present is pudina helps the enzymes necessary for digestion. They relax the smooth muscles of the stomach, reducing the chances of indigestion and spasms. They can also act on these muscles to activate them and help work more efficiently to carry out digestion.

Pudina is also known to calm stomach cramps and help beat acidity. According to Ayurveda practitioners, it is also very beneficial for patients suffering from IBS. In fact, mint extracts have been used to coat tablets meant to relieve symptoms of IBS. It helps the muscles in the stomach relax and promotes overall digestion.

Drink a cup of mint tea after every meal by either boiling leaves along with a few green tea leaves or on their own for maximum benefit.

Since having to change up my “diet” I have been giving new ingredients a chance. We all know mint leaves smell great and we like its flavor in our gum but how many of you all have reached towards this herb when cooking?

I have many friends that discuss their GI struggles with me so I really hope you are reading this today. I do wish you will find ways to incorporate mint into your meals and teas so that you can get some form of relief!

Today’s dish can be used 1 of 2 ways. The quinoa can be cooked as a side dish and placed with other dishes or it can be cooked how we cooked it the other night…chicken included. Round 1 included chicken and round 2 (the next day) included just the quinoa. This meal was super easy and I hope you guys love it!

If not bought pre-made, thread the chicken onto skewers and place on a baking tray

Spread the curry mixture over the chicken to coat

Place quinoa in a large sauce pan, add 2 cups+ of water or chicken broth, place on medium-high heat until boiling, lower heat to low and keep lid on and cook until fluffy (1o minutes or so) Make sure to check from time to time to ensure not all liquid has been cooked out

Cook the skewers under a pre-heated oven on Broil for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through

Place the quinoa, ginger, cilantro, onion, mint and sesame oil in a bowl, toss to combine

Divide the quinoa between serving plates, top with the chicken and serve with lime, mint and cilantro.

ENJOY!

Side note, I have decided to track down here how many days I have been free from a cold or sinus infection aka IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTHY!